Bill Bryson to exit retirement to pen new book about Christmas

US author Bryson is writing 'The Secret History Of Christmas' to look into Santa’s roots, and also the story of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' (a Dickens postcard pictured here), among the many festive season secrets. Photo: Filepic

Award-winning US author Bill Bryson will be temporarily coming out of retirement to pen a new book, The Secret History Of Christmas.

The book will explore the origins of many popular Christmas traditions, including mince pies, A Christmas Carol, and the true identity of Santa Claus. It will be released exclusively on audiobook platform Audible in November and will be narrated by Bryson himself.